If you completed your project currently limited by the Alternative and cooling equipment. The project must be completed energy efficiency of their home by at least by Dec. Additional rebates are pending. File IRS form with Deadline. At press time, the Home Star your taxes.
Keep a copy of the Cash for Appliances What is it? The Department of Energy had legislation had not been signed into law. Manufacturer's Certification Statement and all receipts and itemized bills. If you each state design its own program for its How to collect. For more information. But that doesn't mean energy-efficiency rules. That kind ofaccountability needs check our Ratings.
Think that won't get your clothes several major manufacturers had big signs clean? Think again. The Apollo claims to let you dim a dimmable CFL as low as an incandescent bulb. But neither dimmer was any better than a standard dimmer at We find 11 top picks and take a look at LEOs reaching low light levels.
We also confirmed. W those results with an outside lab. HAT IF the lightbulb you them, test them, and report back. An area where both products shined put in your baby's nursery In the meantime, you don't have to sit was in dimming a light fixture with didn't have to be replaced in the dark. Our tests found that there's multiple bulbs or dimming rooms where until Junior is off to college? Most delivered on switch. With a regular dimmer, as you of light-emitting diodes LEDs , coming soon brightness and many provided color that dim the CFLs some will flicker or go out to a store near you.
Those bulbs claim to was closer to incandescents' than earlier sooner than others, forcing you to increase rival the look, dimming ability, and light versions. The new cury as compact fluorescent lightbulbs do ; mercury, the cap that Energy Star sets for dimmers make all of the bulbs dim in and last up to five times longer than CFLs those bulbs.
Still, CFLs should be recycled. But the Decora was a bit more and 50 times longer than incandescents. Here's what else we learned: convenient because when it's turned on LEDs are not without their concerns. For CFLs keep burning brightly. The dimmers But even at that price, an LED bulb would since early , or 6, hours.
Even after bulbs were used in multibulb fixtures. Our results were retail samples of one of the newest, the confirmed by an outside lab. Five of the 10 bulbs we tested see First Look, on facing page. As that dimmable CFLs. We tested two models failed before 3, hours. Energy Star responds to cntlClsm. Our tests found Energy's internal audit cited as a problem instant brightness.
The color of the tion Agency, which oversees CFLs, plans dark, frosted, or textured. Because CFLs light is measured by its temperature in to develop new Energy Star specifications contain a small amount of mercury, don't kelvins K.
The over and cause the bulb to break. Also keep in mind: much like the watt incandescents and from 0 to and indicates how accurately lhink about the fixture. LED bulbs colors appear under the light.
The higher longer and perform better if they're on for are even cooler to the touch than CFLs. Incandescent bulbs 15 minutes or more. That longevity makes Note the lumens. Lumens indicate are near Most CFLs we tested have a them good for hard-to-reach fixtures.
But how much light the bulb provides. Buying CRI in the low 80s. We haven't verified they take time to reach full brightness, a bulb with just the right brightness and the CRI ofLEDs yet, but manufacturers say from about 30 seconds for spirals to roughly the fewest watts saves energy and money.
But at bulbs easier without sacrificing energy efficiency or claimed lumens, this Say goodbye to watts and hello to dimming ability. In our initial take, based on LED isn't quite as bright as lumens. Compact fluorescent and LED a pre-retail sample, the Cree seems more comparable CFLs we bulbs use fewer watts, or less energy, promising than some of the other LED bulbs tested, which provided to produce the same amount of light, we've seen.
But It brightened instantly when we 3, hours of testing. We'lI the color of the light varies by the type turned it on,like an incandescent does. At The label must be on packages starting in midll, but you might see it sooner. Types designated A, B, etc.
If you prefer the look of a covered bulb, use But that's usual for this type of CFL. Guide to the Ratings Overall score combines life and rapid-cycle testing, brightness at 3, hours nearfull brightness. Actual brightness lumens is the average measured of use, and warm-up time performance. Life testing reflects how many 3-hour brightness of 10 bulb samples after being life tested. Actual color temperature on and minute off cycles a bulb survives after 3, hours ofthe"on" cycle. Those Rapid-cycle testing reflects the average number of 5-minute on and 5-minute with Kare closest to incandescent bulbs; ones with Kare similar to off cycles each bulb survived.
Brightness indicates the brightness lumens of halogen bulbs. Claimed equivalent wattage is the equivalent incandescent each bulb after 3, hours of life testing, as compared with the brightness of a bulb that a manufacturer says the CFL will replace. Claimed life is how long the comparable incandescent. Price is approximate retail. Claim your savings at www. Please do not mail. Unblased Ratlngs. Guaranteed Low Price. There is no other Web site in the world like ConsumerReports.
If you're shoppi ng for a car, camera, cell phone, computer, television, clothes dryer, refrigerator, range,. Log onto ConsumerReports. It's like getting 3 months FREE. Claim your insider rate! For details go to:. See "Some Savings but High Maintenance," on the facing page. Hybrids: Savings, even in winter. We tested the A. The A. Smith led with average. Water heaters savings of 59 percent, though the others came close. But at more than. Add in any payback times.
But smarter new heaters typical for the solar heaters we tested. None saved more than 32 percent over are changing that. Our tests through winter snow and standard electric heaters in last year's Three we tested saved enough energy to tests.
But those savings plummeted and uses it to help heat the water. Models to 28 and 35 percent, respectively, in winter. Smith used Another model, Sungrabber, could pay for almost 60 percent less energy than standard itself as quickly as a hybrid heater, but like electric heaters, which account for roughly other solar systems, it's more complex.
That's how much you can save hey, it's half of all water heaters sold. Instead savings per year, based on national average annual water-heating bills by lowering of storing hot water, tankless heaters fire up costs for electricity.
Makers the array of incentives. You can still get a based on average costs. That payback would still take eight to 12 years.
Models we cut open in past tests confirmed that electric heaters The AirTap saves 28 percent in energy with nine- to year warranties usually over a conventional electric heater, have larger heating elements , thicker which was roughly half of what we saved with the ready-to-install hybrid systems insulation, and beefier corrosion-fighting Bottom line. AirGenerate is introducing we tested. Then there's the upkeep: anodes. Got a gas or oil heater? Also consider an same as ifyou replaced an all-electric heater.
That would more than outweigh the Energy Star-qualified gas heater if yours Here's what else to consider: savings the AirTap provided. Check for rebates. The federal tax credit for hybrid heaters and nonelectric tankless systems will soon run out, but from floor to ceiling and up to 1, cubic cation Corp.
You'll also find state and local rebates heat from the air. But Energy Star models for Energy Star storage-tank models. And remember that hybrid For tankless, factor in winter. Cooler For hybrids, check your space. Have a pro use your since the heat pump is usually on top. For solar,look for Energy Star. While some solar heaters save almost as much as hybrid electrics. Rheem HP50RH , 1, 50 58 4 Heliodyne , 6,'7, 2flat panels 49 10 for panel; 6 for tank.
SunMaxx 2 5,'7, 1glass-tube bank 19 How much you save in your home might differ based NY. The figures above are based on the on climate and usage.
Convection heaters without a fan were as silent as some ads promise. Fan-equipped models distribute heat more quickly with some noise. The quietest were in the lowdecibel range, about as loud as a refrigerator; the loudest, at more than 50 decibels, were about as noisy as moderate rain.
But that's still far less raucous than the plus decibels some vacuums emit. Radiant heaters didn't shine. Those heaters tend to warm one or two people fastest because they use an electric-ribbon element or quartz tube to quickly heat what's in front of them. How to choose Space heaters are essentially a Band-Aid for underlying heating problems.
Space heaters cal and plumbing lines pass through the house. Then keep these tips in mind: Match the type to your needs. Manufacturers suggest roughly 10 watts. That's heat most spaces. Radiant heaters deliver viting. The Heat Surge selling type by far. Most models include run, but they pose added safety risks. You'll also find some still lack important safety features. EdenPure also lack the temperature display But even manufacturers admit that and timer that you'd expect for the price, space heaters won't trim your utility bills along with a hot-surface alert and a tip-over That's how much you can slice off your on their own.
Overheat protection is the attics, basements, and other key areas, tric fireplace advises turning down the primary safety feature, but the others add a based on average heating costs. Save fueled models for emergencies. Propane and kerosene heaters create the Make space heaters less risky most heat. But because of their open Portable space heaters cause an or replace the heater if you find any flames, higher surface temperatures, and estimated 21, home fires and 1, damage.
Most manufacturers recommend the carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide fire-related injuries and deaths each year. Regularly clean and inspect the heater,. Overview All of our recommended models scored at least Very Good for temperature control. All models have overheat protection; our top A4 Honeywell 81 Vornado picks also have a tip-over switch and were easy o Excellent to control and carry. These offer the best combination of performance and value; all are recommended.
It's also relatively light and quiet for a fan-equipped heater and. Guide to the Ratings Overall score is weighted average of temperature control, safety, noise, and ease controls, likelihood of fi re hazard, cord length longer cords might reduce safety of use. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of preCise overall risks by eliminating the need for an extension cord.
Noise is peak levels during score. Temperature control is ability to maintain set temperature in ourtest typical operation. Ease of use includes size, weight, and ease of using controls room; top-scoring models had variations offewerthan 3' F; poorest performers and handles. Note that all tested models have overheat protection, which shuts varied by more than 6'. Safety includes contact-surface temperatures, safety off the heater automatically if it becomes too hot. That could result in rate increases, thanks to most carriers' use of credit-based insurance scores in setting premiums.
Comer-cutting repairs. But cheaper aftermarket replacement parts. But it's only one way to save on have been unsuccessful. The recession you need. Here are 11 ways to save: feted by a slew of variables, such as: has prompted unemployed consumers to Rising costs. Check rates from other insurers annually to with zero for overall inflation. That's a big Data mining. Credit-based insurance scores.
Hard may not be accurate. One company claims That's one reason shopping around didn't times have hurt many consumers' credit to dig for information about your kids, your payoff for our survey respondents: More.
Only 10 percent of ent rate-setting formulas. Long-term policyholders get about claims-related problems, such as start shopping for a lower premium. By looking father afield, you'll dragged down credit scores and their close relation to your credit limits.
One bumper bar was made of Century. Unfortunately, the used in the Ford part. In a frontal crash, those air-bag deployment," says Mike swer Financial, Insure. Or it might deploy Consider forming a relationship with from the passenger compartment to when it shouldn't or not deploy at an independent agent, who will check reduce or prevent injury. An insurer can charge change those parts because the system The saw couldn't cut through the less in premiums but cost you more overall may not work the way it was designed :' original auto maker bumper bar.
It can also unfairly but not bumpers , tested a sample of jack up your premiums after an accident. It found "serious To get the best service when you need deficiencies" in metal hardness, material it most , consult our Ratings of 22 major thickness, and fit.
If claim between and the first half of your car has already been repaired, check Eighty-six percent of them were your invoices or ask your insurerto see highly satisfied with the handling of whether aftermarket parts were used. If their claims. Among the highest-rated oJ B.. You should also ask to be checked to see whether you've listed the rescored once per year. The company reports 30 percent. If you have a good driving verified by the customer, V'Ren says.
Just make sure you can afford to pay it end up paying more over time than you the road. Your insurer might push you to if your luck runs out. Tests have found that jury and property damage that you cause don't need to pay forren tal-reimbursement some non-OEM parts fit poorly, are more in accidents.
Dump roadside assistance if you prone to rust and corrosion, don't always ducing your liability limits to the state have an auto-club membership that's a meet federal safety standards, and may minimums. Buying more coverage might better deal.
If you have a high net worth, is miles driven per year. The average is more problems with their repairs. So your premiums search Council. Twenty-eight of the 30 largest auto www.
D Beware of scams For example, QPC compares individual Plenty of crooks rip off drivers with staged policy information-say, coverage for a accidents. The result can be an took longer than two weeks for payment tary databases. If QPC finds the driver's at-fault accident claim against you, fake to be received, according to our survey. If your You get the stress of a crash and legal. A to and higher premiums for three years. III Manage teenage-driver risk Teenage drivers have higher accident rates, so adding a teenager to your policy can hike your costs by 50 to percent.
Those drivers California State Auto Group. Claims-related problems is based on in 22 states plug an electronic data recorder Research Center. Reader score, claims-related the percentage of readers reporting at least one into their car's data port available only for problems, and timely payment are based on the problem during the course of their claim.
Timely cars from model year or later. Non-claims-related problems vice tracks miles and time of day the car is June Ratings for non-claims related reflects the percentage of all respondents who driven and how often you brake suddenly. If the device shows that you drive less than 96, respondents.
Results might not reflect the Ratings are for insurance groups, wh ich are average, avoid operation from midnight experiences ofthe U. Ratings for companies within groups claims handling.
A score of would mean all may vary, but group ratings represent the sum of pedal, you might get up to a 30 percent readers were completely satisfied; 80, very experiences of Consumer Reports Online discount. If it shows that you're a riskier satisfied, on average; 60, fairly well satisfied. Those are big questions with critically as nausea, shortness of breath, and pain Tests showed that 1 had a heart attack!
Cardiovascular disease in the back or jaw. And doctors when the EMTs initially said my heart gestion. Although 1 continued to get out of ments when simpler measures are safer, So how do you know which symptoms breath easily, 1 didn't have my heart checked until cheaper, and at least as effective. If an area is tender when months later. Fortunately, someone surgery groups based on key performance but can indicate other health problems.
You have to use your judgment, says had an AED on the scene within minutes. Their Kathleen Cowling, D. But if any of these heart attack. Would you recognize one? Even of breath. IT angiography and electron beam Cet the right treatment computed tomography. But that's ited use even for those who do have them. For example, CT coronary Supporters contend that the tests can help cause of persistent, outdated notions. The therapy should generally be results that can lead to additional invasive dissolves in your mouth, suggests that it limited to those who are not at increased risk tests and procedures.
Here are several tests works faster than other aspirin to limit of gastrointestinal bleeding. And everyone and what you need to know about them: damage during a heart attack.
It also should take these steps to maximize aspirin's Stress test. This measures the heart's recommends Fasprin for preventing attacks. Fasprin might be a good choice if in some cases, medication.
Some doctors cardiovascular use, it's easy to see why some use it for people with no heart symptoms you can't swallow pills, but it costs more people might think they're a good idea. Are than generic forms, and its fast action is as part of a routine exam. If you r doctor says Help during attacks you need aspirin, but you have a history of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. That might cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland affects public safety, or middle-aged or elevate your risk beyond the original level by Clinic.
This is the People at very high risk of heart attack or Generic baby aspirin gold standard for confirming heart disease stroke should usually take low-dose aspirin. It involves threading a flexible tube irrelevant for la-year heart-attack risk based on such from the groin into the coronary arteries factors as blood pressure and cholesterol prevention.
Women between 55 and 79 often also ible on an X-ray. Going straight to such an benefit, but only if they have a high lO-year invasive test is warranted only for people. Under posits too small and numerous to be and a healthful diet. People who take that that model. Yet some doctors recommend PC!
Unless a patient has just blocked. Bypass or PC! That's because dis- nent, there's usually plenty of time to dis- three to six months of drug therapy.
Heart-bypass surgery: 50 top-rated surgical groups It"s long been easier to make informed choices stars, meaning that their performance was periodically update the ratings, including data about cars or vacuums than about health-care rated as above average. Subscribers to from additional groups that release their providers. If you're considering a group teamed with the Society ofThoracic Surgeons information about all rated groups, that"s not yet rated, you should still ask for its to present ratings of heart-bypass surgical including the two-star performers and the results.
That"s because many groups that have groups based on how their results compare five one-star groups. Go to the website and not shared their data with us have given their with national standards for survival. Hospitals tab. The ratings include groups that have provide it to you. In fact, if a group can't or The 50 groups listed here all received three agreed to let us publish their results.
We will won't do that, you should keep looking. Hicks, M. Cloud Hospital, st. Top cordless phones The latest phones are better than ever, especially when it comes to voice quality. The B9 Vfech earned an Excellent score for voice quality in listening and speaking. That's a rarity for cordless phones, which usually lag behind corded phones in that regard. Other models are close behind. That's useful outdoors and reduces the chance that you'll hit a dead zone in your home.
III Test results. Easier screening. Blackout backup. Best blood-pressure Inonitors Home monitoring can be a crucial part of Before you start shopping, talk to your. American adults with hypertension. Then examine our Ratings of Make sure the cuff fits your arm and is easy to use. They g Similar model, in small type. But we didn't from the air. Since and the failure of a second one after only about then, we have begun developing a test to determine 50 hours of use leads us to judge the model a how a dehumidifier performs in room temperatures Don't Buy: Performance Problem.
LG LDEAL dehumidifier, keep the receipt and As part of developing a test, we often look at home packaging in case it stops extracting water. During the additional home compressor. Those start on the date of purchase. They're easier to carry and In performance order, within types. There are still some hard-drive 0 :z -' '" u.
You'll save with standard def. Consider one of our recommended H D models if you want an autofocus featu re rated Very Good. Acamcorder that works with multiple lenses , You'll pay for important extras. To get you started, digital cameras, new camcorders are called "the world's first consumer-oriented it comes with an NEX-compatible to unlikely to have a viewfinder.
The move to camcorder with interchangeable lenses;' mm E series lens. Those models also have the same lenses that fit Sony's NEX-3 and pro-level stereo microphone. With an adapter, it shoot megapixel still photographs. We tests show all had very good quality. Heavy metals use of cadmium. Currently the CPSC says toys must comply with the limit of75 parts per million ppm for soluble cadmium in surface coatings established by ASTM, an international organization that develops Despite progress, our tests still find voluntary standards.
T arate from the current limit in surface WO YEARS after sweeping rules Sweden, have moved to limit cadmium in coatings for toys, and that's gone through sought to limit lead in children's various products, but standards in the independent scientific review," CPSC products, another toxic heavy u. But if a product is not pean Union more recently set new rules.
The charm, as cancer of the lung, breast, and kidney. Our effects is less than one-tenth of that for No clear standards for cadmium. The expected to see cadmium in consumer ognized threat. Many other countries, including lead. Limits for rhinestones. The barrette is not marketed to children but it could interest such an item qualifies as a What we found and be accessible to them.
They argue that even if an item containing might remain on store shelves. We also screened items with that age group, the product itself is coats with a bumblebee design and made of such as pens, sunglasses, and lipstick for not "intended primarily for children" and PVC plastic.
In ic heavy metal. It's up to the CPSC to determine whether December we purchased one raincoat at of the more than 30 products we tested using an initial screening method called X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry XRF , 14 showed relatively high levels. Recent notable recalls They were sent for further testing to an outside lab to determine total amounts of Total number Type of Where lead, cadmium, and mercury.
June 30, Children's Happy 66, bracelets Distributed at doctors' and Cadmium China A green clover-shape cell-phone charm Charm bracelets and 2. Lead China tained levels exceeding , ppm of com from December total lead. Sporting-goods stores Lead in surface China Federal rules say that the ppm lead hockey sticks and 60, in nationwide from February paint and decals limit applies to all children's products, Canada through March We found ofcadmium.
But the item meets In January and May we Weidenhamer said cadmium's the federal limits for lead in toys. Given the background least 10, ppm of cadmium. And it tests me-downs or coats from yard sales. Judy Braiman, mium was reportedly found in Walmart ance with federal standards. Our September tests found list at www. If your water. EVs will be released regionally at first, humming down our roads.
The first cars more than similar conventional cars. The and it could be months or years before they to come from major auto makers will be life expectancy and replacement cost of are readily available nationwide. There are the much-publicized Chevrolet Volt and the the battery packs remain question marks, three main types of plug-in models: Nissan Leaf, each expected to go on sale in and in most regions the ability to recharge Dedicated EVs.
The Nissan Leaf is an selected areas by the end of this year. And in public areas is very limited. On a full charge, the Leaf Mitsubishi, Toyota, and other companies will follow in the next couple of years.
Nissan says that this is enough to accommodate 90 percent of Americans' the forthcoming electric cars and have depends on daily driving needs.
Because dedicated EVs need large batteries, it can take 8 hours or found them to be very quiet, quite quick, and viable alternatives to conventional many variables. It can take much longer vey, more than a quarter of respondents Before you consider plugging in, you with a regular household nO-volt outlet. That is how GM electric car for their next vehicle. The car runs only on its Electric vehicles EVs allow drivers to fully understand the pros and cons of EVs.
They can reduce overall driving Plug-in electric cars represent the next 75 percent ofAmerican commuters to drive costs for some people.
And EVs can be step beyond hybrids for consumers who gasoline-free to work and back. After the charged by simply plugging them into a want to cut their gasoline consumption. Chevrolet brought one to our test track. GM says this four-passenger hatchback can drive up to 40 miles on electric power and estimates that it can go Plug-in hybrids. They are essentially an additional miles on its gasoline engine.
Its hatchback and folding rear seat add versatility. On the dash, touch-sensitive although they can't go gas-free for long pads replace conventional buttons, which takes getting stretches.
We'll get more insight when we buy our ota Prius test car converted to a plug-in own car for a full test. TheVolt will first be sold setup. See our video on www.
Then fuel economy dropped slightly below that of a standard Prius because of. Electric:' on page But Four questions to consider it's already developing a Your answers can help you determine replacement, which is based whether an IV is right for you.
If you will be due out next year. No one knows how long those batteries course, if you can plug in while you're You'll pay extra to buy an electric car. Both include technology, there's no track record with icated IV would require careful planning destination charges. Prices for a Toyota which to gauge them, as there is with the on where you can recharge.
To attract early buyers, the Auto Reliability Survey, most hybrids have much load is put on the batteries. Electricity costs an average of 11 ventional cars.
A heavy-duty cents per kilowatt-hour in the U. The first thing you'll notice when you start noise. Dash displays will tell you the level an electric car is that, well, nothing of the battery's charge and how many happens. It's silent, with only a small dash miles you have left before you need to light telling you that the car is ready to go. As you depress the accelerator pedal, the When you brake lightly, the pedal may car will begin moving.
But ratherthan feel a bit grabby because of the extra force hearing the rev of an engine, you'll hear of the regenerative braking system. This only the sound of tires rolling on pavement. Once the car is the mechanical brakes. The car also might pass by gas stations without a second up to highway speed, you might hear a feel a bit heavy when cornering, due to the thought.
And when you're done driving, light, high-pitched whine from the electric large battery pack. But overall, driving an of course, you have to plug in the car so motor mixing in with the road and wind EVis not very different from driving a that it'll be ready for your next excursion. You'll also need a charger. The Leaf 6 hours to recharge with. It will. A faster volt the Nissan Leaf.
GM and Nissan are setting up special services to pacity that power plants have at night. Before you buy a Leaf ing off-peak in the summer would cost Many areas also have several electricity or Volt, a dealer will have an electrician 5. That's less than half of what it the best rates. Call your utility company before you code requirements.
Southern California Edison, which buy an electric car, Powell says. Those makers first plan to roll out EVs. Many of says Steve Powell, manager of plug-in upgrades are free to the consumer. For example, Nissan says that ers. One program, ChargePoint America, per kwh. Many California buyers need to be especially application is being developed. High electric rates can offset any caps on usage for the lowest rates in basic OnStar system.
Then the car can charge savings at the pump. For example, at our plans. Drivers Auto Test Center in Connecticut, where ate plan, charging an electric car can can also preset the interior temperature average utility rates are a high 19 cents per quickly boost you to a higher rate. Nissan says puters or phones. It will initially be sold in selected the federal government's overall energy metro areas of Arizona, California, policy because of their potential to reduce Oregon, Tennessee, and the nation's dependence on petroleum Washington.
Nissan expects and curb greenhouse-gas emissions. It was first sold in Afull charge takes 3. Using figures from volt, amp charger.
But the stiff ride is jarring, the that could mean a savings of million interior is pretty basic, and climbing into the narrow cockpit is awkward because gallons of gasoline a year, or And loud battery-cooling gallons by Advocates expect that fans emit a constant roar behind you.
Consumers Manufacturers in Washington, D. Most electricity in the U. The numbers looked right. My round-trip commute is 64 miles, The fact that the car wasn't adding to New York's noise and pollution and the Mini E provides a mile range when it's fully charged. But made me feel good. After having to fill up my '97 Honda CR-Vevery at first, I could only drive the car to work every other day because the three orfour days, I also delighted in never having to stop at a gas standard 11O-volt electrical outlet in my garage wasn't able to fully station or worry about oil changes.
Plugging in the car overnight was charge the car in one night. And the extra. That said, the SUVstili. Initially, being limited to miles of Bottom line. After driving more than driving per day took a bit of getting used 11, miles on electricity, would I get. It was critical that I planned each another electric vehicle? ME Paul Eng, a seniorWeb editor who covers placed a deposit on the forthcoming stranded somewhere.
But after a while, electronics, and his all-electric Mini E. Nissan Leaf probably answers that question. Here's a look at some of the notable new models that have recently hit showrooms or will arrive in the coming months. We'll fully test the vehicles as soon as we can buy tric cars see "Should You Plug In?
In the meantime, check the Consumer Reports Cars blog fuel economy is one of the driving forces in today's auto market. Buyers can choose from three trim lines and two four-cylinder engines, including a new 1. Either engine is available with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Ten standard air bags, electronic stability control with rollover sensing, and OnStar are among the safety features.
We've had a chance to drive early prototypes ofthe Cruze, and it looks like a great leap over the mediocre Cobalt.
The Cruze is much quieter and has a more spacious and refined interior. ICI Ford Focus ' early The next-generation Focus will be available as a four-door sedan or hatchback and will be based on a platform used forlO models around the world.
Here it gets a direct-injection, 2. Chrysler's new parent, Fiat, returns to the U. Once one of our top-rated for the first time since the early s with the car and an SUv. The U. Sized between a Smart ForTwo and a four-cylinder engine that will deliver hp. It a complete redesign.
Our initial impressions Mini Cooper, the will be offered first with is matched with either a continuously variable after driving early versions of the new model a hp, lA-literfour-cylinderengine automatic transmission or six-speed manual. Standard features include six air with a semiconvertible with a roll-up canvas bags, anti lock brakes, and ESC. Optional top. An electric version will arrive in The Versa did well in our Bottom line. We found a European testing, which gives the juke a good starting version of the fun to drive, but the ride point.
Although the juke is big on style, the was rather harsh. The interior is small but has interior is snug, especially the backseat. The 1. A manual transmission is standard; a new six-speed automated manual is optional. The interior has an upscale look and feel and seating for five.
ESC is standard, and prices start is available only as a four-door hatchback. The cabin seats four. The rear Bottom line. Our early impressions of the here has a hp, 1. Mazda claims the 2 conditioning system, electronic steering, and for the class, but it can get pricey. Two trim slender seatbacks. The engine is a 1. Standard safety features four-cylinder matched with a continuously include ESC and curtain air bags.
Prices start variable transmission. While the Mazda2 is closely ESC and 10 air bags are standard, including an related to the Ford Fiesta, it is roomier in the industry-first rear-window curtain bag.
Early impressions indicate Bottom line. Our initial impressions of the that the Mazda2 is nimble and is a nice-driving iQ indicate that it's a better execution of a car ali around.
New hybrids, from sporty to luxurious. Hyundai Sonata late rear bucket seats, available all-wheel drive, and the look of an SUV. The cargo area has The CR-Z, now on sale, is a small Kia Optima early generous underfloor storage, folding rear two-seaterfor buyers who want sporty Lincoln MKZ fali20l0 seatbacks, and a pass-through. Powertrain looks with their fuel economy.
But an Porsche Cayenne fa Ii choices include the 1. Vol kswagen Touareg early or six-speed automatic transmission. Both The h, expected in early , is engines get a slight horsepower increase for a premium compact hatchback that's The Countryman is expected to sell for about the size of an Audi A3. With extra room andAWD, it's based on a Toyota Corolla version the Countryman will be more practical and sold in other countries. We hope it won't lose the agility and sportiness that make Minis fun to drive.
Most versions On sale New will have the 2. Chevrolet Cruze fall Honda says its redesigned minivan has more Bottom line. The jetta is now a distinct Chevrolet Spark interior room and better aerodynamics and model, rather than simply a Golfwith a trunk Chevrolet Volt late rear visibility and gets up to 28 mpg on the grafted on. The added space could make it a late FiatSOO highway. The engine is the same 3. Mazda2 now Bottom line. Despite the new look, we Mini Countryman February don't expect this redesign to stray fa r from Mitsubishi Outlander fall Honda's successful formula.
And that's a good Sport thing. The claim of improved fuel economy is Nissanjuke fall probably helped by a new six-speed automatic.
Nissan Leaf late We'll see whether it improves on the 19 mpg Scion iQ early overall that we got with our last Odyssey. The Ford Explorer early new 2. A hybrid model will arrive early Hyundai Elantra late next year. Kia claims its hp, 2. We The interior is roomy and nicely finished. Saab now got 22 mpg overall with the similar Hyundai SciontC early Tucson. A more powerful turbocharged Volkswagen jetta fall version will arrive later. The engine is mated Volkswagen Touareg early with a six-speed manual or six-speed VolvoS60 fall automatic transmission.
Curtain air bags and Discontinued electronic stability control are standard. DodgeViper Bottom line. The new Sportage looks Chevrolet Cobalt sportier than its predecessor.
It will seat up to seven in three rows of seats. Safety features include available rear inflatable safety belts claimed to provide better protection for children. The use of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in an SUV of this size is a first.
Ford claims the EcoBoost engine will deliver the power of a V6 and the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. We'll see when we test it. Call Get Base Pricing Options Costs Don't guess. Let the experts at Trucks for the last ten Consumer Reports pinpoint the real market value price. Each report contains:. Find out here before it's too late. The car rides well enough but it's almost pounds heavier than the Mustang. The Camaro is too new for us to have reliability data.
As we cars seem very similar. The Mustang has a nation of strong acceleration and agile found in the V8 Camaro, the snug cabin hp, 3. It was also easier to live with. Both are quick, but the the V6 engine in those cars? Its 24 mpg overall is also notably yes for the Camaro. The Mustang tang, which has a new gearbox and Only the Ford is recommended.
The has a crisper, more precise shifter. In contrast, the. Trim line V6 Premium. Drivetrain 30S-hp, 3. Major options V6 Pony package stripes,. Cabin storage Modest, with few storage nooks. Headlights Good, but low beams lack intensity. High Head restraints Rear ones need beams not as bright as most.
Rear access is difficult. Thick center pillars impede securely using safety belts. LATCH installation is better. A modem back was lost compared with recent found a comfortable driving position. Both cars have standard has height-adjustable shoulder safety tem, can call in an emergency. As in the Mustang, not uncomfortable. The Mustang has better side read. The Camaro's console-mounted, jiggle in the Mustang. Some climate and radio ing, we did experience some wind noise.
Visibility is better in the Mustang than controls are small and hard to read. We noticed more road noise in the Camaro. But Inside the cabin line, and smaller windows. BrakingVery good overall. Cabin storage Modest. Slightly better distance protection even in lowest position. Rear seats lack head restraints.
Camaro but are hard to see. Consumer Reports accepts no outside advertising. Take a look at our assortment of Free Financial Magazines! These subscriptions are entirely free!
Sign up for our email so we can keep you up to speed on the latest magazine subscriptions! You don't have to be a financial guru to make the most of your money. However, before making major financial decisions, it is critical to understand the fundamentals of money. Reading free financial periodicals is an excellent approach to expand your financial knowledge without spending any money. You can choose a magazine to fit your individual needs and interests because there are so many free financial magazines available.
Some magazines offer financial advice on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other products, while others focus on helping readers comprehend the latest news in finance and business. You can also read financial journals about entrepreneurship or small business management.
Even though these financial journals are free, the information they provide can be invaluable.
0コメント